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Head of Laboratory for Advanced Materials Processing

Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.

The Laboratory for Advanced Materials Processing  aims to be an international leader in developing and optimizing innovative 2D and 3D manufacturing processes for high-performance materials. Its mission is the understanding of the correlation between processing technologies (e.g. additive manufacturing, laser welding, laser surface treatment), resulting material microstructures, and the functional properties of the processed materials and devices. The laboratory follows an interdisciplinary approach by combining experiments with process modeling and physics-based simulation. Additionally, novel in situ, real-time monitoring and sensing technologies are developed and subsequently integrated with AI for data analysis. Experiments are conducted in-house and externally, either in large-scale infrastructure facilities such as synchrotrons or in cooperation with industrial partners. The laboratory advances basic research by understanding the underlying physical process fundamentals and is, at the same time, committed to fostering technology transfer to industry and society.

Your tasks

As an inspirational research leader you will manage a highly interdisciplinary laboratory and you will set the strategy to successfully apply for fundamental research driven by SNF or EU as well as applied research driven by Innosuisse projects or projects with the Federal Offices, private companies and foundations. You will broaden your national and international network in Advanced Materials Processing and organize local and international scientific events. Teaching at University level is highly encouraged. With your inspiring personality you will be able to lead a team of 25-30 coworkers involving master students, PhD students, Postdocs, scientists, group leaders and a technical staff team. The position is opened due to the retirement of the current laboratory head (Prof. Dr. Patrik Hoffmann). The successful candidate is expected to build up an own research group, located at Empa Thun, near Bern, and oversee the whole laboratory (totally 3 groups) from a strategic and organizational standpoint.

Your profile

You have a doctoral degree in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Mechanical / Computational / Electrical Engineering or similar with an outstanding research track record and strong expertise in at least one of the core competences of the laboratory. Expertise in acquisition of externally funded research projects, leading research teams and the ability to maintain longterm collaboration with scientific and industrial partners is required. Excellent publishing and communication skills are essential together with an already existing broad professional network. You are a team player and your strengths include taking personal responsibilities, high motivation for excellence and the ability to inspire your co-workers. Willingness to learn German is a strong plus.

Our offer

We offer a highly interdisciplinary research environment and flexible working conditions to perform high-level research in support of industry and policy making.

We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what counts.

We look forward to receiving your complete online application including a letter of motivation, CV, diplomas, publications, your research Interests and vision, and contact details of two reference persons by 31 October 2025 at the latest. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be considered.

André Schmid ,

Head Human Resources

Questions?

Dr. Lorenz Herrmann lorenz.herrmann@empa.ch

Department Head

Advanced Materials and Surfaces

https : / / www.empa.ch / web / s200

Your future place of work

Empa

Feuerwerkerstrasse 39

3602 Thun

Empa as an employer

Innovative, sustainable, meaningful activities

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